Glasgow Warriors have moved swiftly to secure the services of Mark Bennett,
the 20-year-old centre who rejoined the club on a loan arrangement from
Clermont Auvergne earlier this season.

Bennett, who originally hails from Ayrshire, has signed a one-year deal with the Warriors, restoring a link that was broken when he turned down an offer from the Scottish side in 2011 in order to further his rugby education in France.

“I learnt a lot over in Clermont but this is an excellent opportunity to continue my development in Glasgow and to be involved at an exciting time for the club,” said Bennett. “I have really enjoyed the last few months in Glasgow and I am very happy to have been able to make this move permanent.”

Bennett has made two RaboDirect PRO12 appearances for Glasgow since his return to Scotland. However, he has also been heavily involved in the Scotland Under-20 squad, and is it expected that he will concentrate on country demands rather than club for the next couple of weeks.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh have brought Scotland centre Ben Cairns into their side to face Scarlets at Parc y Scarlets on Friday evening. Cairns takes the place of Nick De Luca, whose season was effectively ended on Wednesday when he was suspended for 13 weeks for a tip tackle in last weekend’s loss to Ospreys.

Edinburgh are currently on a run of 10 consecutive defeats in all competitions, and coach Michael Bradley, whose contract will not be renewed at the end of this season, has admitted that the club is in dire need of a boost.

Bradley said: “It’s clear we’re in desperate need of a win and the players have worked exceptionally hard, in some very vocal and physical training sessions, as we prepare mentally and physically to front up to one of the top teams in the division in their own back yard.

“The players are well aware that the performances haven’t been up to scratch this season but I’ve been impressed by their resolve, their commitment and attention to detail in how they can improve and rally together.”